Water containing soluble fiber

Abstract

A water-like fluid containing safe water and soluble dietary fiber(s). The resulting solution is generally optically clear and has physical properties similar to potable water. The fluid is intended as a replacement for bottled, or other water, as a means to ensure proper hydration. Depending on the soluble fiber used the fluid is either non-caloric or extremely low in calories. The amount of soluble fiber is adjusted to a specific amount of water so that consumption of an adequate amount of fluid ensures hydration. In one embodiment, a flavoring may be added to the resulting solution.

I claim: 
     
       1. A water-like composition consisting essentially of potable water, 0.1% to 10% by weight of water-soluble indigestible fiber, the water and the fiber forming a solution whose physical properties are similar to potable water, wherein said fiber is selected from a group consisting of inulin, dextrin, maltodextrin and partial hydrolyzates of the fibers from said group; and a flavoring. 
     
     
       2. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said flavoring is calorie-free. 
     
     
       3. The composition of  claim 2 , wherein said flavoring is a natural fruit essence. 
     
     
       4. The composition of  claim 2 , wherein said flavoring is a natural botanical essence. 
     
     
       5. The composition of  claim 2 , wherein said flavoring is a synthetic product. 
     
     
       6. The composition of  claim 2 , wherein said flavoring is attractive to a domestic animal. 
     
     
       7. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the fiber is inulin or partial hydrolyzates thereof. 
     
     
       8. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the fiber is dextrin or partial hydrolyzates thereof. 
     
     
       9. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the fiber is a mixture of inulin and dextrin, or partial hydrolyzates thereof. 
     
     
       10. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the fiber is 0.50% to 2.5% by weight. 
     
     
       11. The composition of  claim 3 , wherein the fiber is 0.50% to 2.5% by weight. 
     
     
       12. The composition of  claim 3 , wherein the fiber is dextrin or partial hydrolyzates thereof. 
     
     
       13. The composition of  claim 3 , wherein the fiber is inulin or partial hydrolyzates thereof. 
     
     
       14. The composition of  claim 3 , wherein the fiber is a mixture of inulin and dextrin, or partial hydrolyzates thereof, and wherein the fiber is 0.50% to 2.5% by weight. 
     
     
       15. The composition of  claim 3 , wherein the fiber is a mixture of inulin and dextrin, or partial hydrolyzates thereof. 
     
     
       16. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said flavoring is a natural fruit essence. 
     
     
       17. The composition of  claim 16 , wherein the fiber is inulin or partial hydrolyzates thereof. 
     
     
       18. The composition of  claim 16 , wherein the fiber is dextrin or partial hydrolyzates thereof. 
     
     
       19. The composition of  claim 16 , wherein the fiber is a mixture of inulin and dextrin, or partial hydrolyzates thereof. 
     
     
       20. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said flavoring is a natural botanical essence.